Munich researchers develop 3D printing in space

Printing in space Munich researchers develop 3D printing in space

2024-02-09 Source: HS München | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

Munich University of Applied Sciences (HM) and the newspace company Dcubed have set themselves the ambitious goal of being the first to develop 3D printing directly in space to market readiness.

Here, a component for use in space is created from photopolymer by 3D printing. At Munich University of Applied Sciences, funding is now being provided to further develop this type of additive manufacturing so that it can produce in space. This saves not only money ...(Image: E. Krasnov / HM) — Here, a component for use in space is created from photopolymer by 3D printing. At Munich University of Applied Sciences, funding is now being provided to further develop this type of additive manufacturing so that it can produce in space. This saves not only money ...
(Image: E. Krasnov / HM)

As part of the two-year Mass-PEX project that started in January 2024, the partners will advance the practical exploration and development of possibilities for production in space – known as In-Space Manufacturing (ISM) – as is learned. The plan is to develop and test a complete system for manufacturing structures via 3D printing in space, which is to be done using photopolymers. For the first time, these structures are also to be reinforced with fibers, significantly increasing their strength and stiffness. Space products manufactured in this way could, among other things, be used for large antennas or as support structures for satellite solar panels. Until now, such systems are still manufactured on Earth and transported to space by rocket – a very error-prone and especially costly approach.

Revolutionizing the construction of space systems

In the long term, the results from the research project are expected to unlock new potentials for the economy and research in terms of space. The total volume of the project amounts to almost one million euros. The funding is provided within the framework of the Bavarian Space Research Program, with which the state government supports the development of space technologies for addressing future societal challenges, as further stated. The innovations of the project partners are predicted to change the way we think about the construction and use of satellites and ultimately enable new ways to design space systems.

A 3D printed nozzle for use in space, made of fiber-reinforced photopolymer, along with a structural part.(Image: A. Ratzing / HM) — A 3D printed nozzle for use in space, made of fiber-reinforced photopolymer, along with a structural part.
(Image: A. Ratzing / HM)

The first practical test will be launched by rocket from Sweden

At the same time as the commitment of state funding was received, the student research team from HM once again qualified for a rocket launch as part of the Swedish-German space program with their work. The research project Persis (Photopolymeric Extrusion of Reinforced Structures in Space) clearly convinced the jury. This gives them the opportunity to conduct experiments with a 3D printer in a research rocket to print structures in open space. The rocket launch will take place at the Esrange Space Center, north of the Arctic Circle in Sweden.

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